Discombobulation and dancing

Starting line up: Bradshaw, Bunce, Chadwick, Dey, Griffiths, Knowles, MacDonald, Mawdsley, Morris, Owen, Shepherd, Spennewyn, Tunney, Weatherall, Wilkins
Subs: Dewhurst, Fulgoni, Hiscock, Knowles, Race

Saracens started on a positive note gaining early possession and pushing into A&C territory. The pressure was clearly on from the opening whistle, all complimented by a very vocal coach who clearly had ambitions.
However, Saracens hopes were dashed when James Tunney scored our opening try.
This buoyed on the team for the backs to spring into life - Harry Spennewyn’s break and perfectly weighted pass to Alfred who then offloaded to Huey who quickly scored the second.
Saracens were discombobulated with this early A&C gain as their coach increased his decibel level to industrial scale.
Saracens came roaring back gaining ground and possession, pushing A&C to their try line. A concerted effort by the Saracens forwards gained them a well deserved try.
All 3 tries were scored out wide and as a result no conversions, making the score 10-5 at half time.

An injury to Max saw Matthew come into the Fly Half role and Monty move out to Centre. This was the first of a number of changes that ensured all the players got some decent game time.
However, the pressure was still tangible from Saracens as they maintained possession. A&C defended well on the line for a couple of minutes before they secured possession and Huey managed to break away and build a head of steam, but not full tilt, and ran into the opposition. He offloaded to Isaac who made further gains. Isaac returned the ball skilfully to Huey who scored the try.
The ground was very heavy making it more important for the forwards to take control, and that is exactly what happened when James Bunce scored a wonderful try in the corner to make it 20-5.
Pressure from Saracens and a fine kick produced a line out within 5 metres of the A&C try line. A long throw saw Saracens snatch possession and saw a solid try making it 20-10.
A&C came back with Monty putting in a 30m chip kick for Blake to chase, however it bounced into touch before he could reach it.
Less than 5 minutes later Monty chipped another, this time a shorter ball, ran through and caught and landed on the ball over the try line to score an excellent fifth A&C try.
Following the kick off, a lineout was awarded to A&C with James Bunce throwing a perfect ball to Sid Dey who caught it, found space and danced through the Saracen’s defence. He serenaded Saracens to a ‘Strictly Special’ and scored our sixth try.

Although a final score of 30-10, A&C had to work hard to achieve it. Saracens were very effective at the breakdown but A&C were always the more effective team with ball in hand playing some great open running/passing/offloading rugby.

Scribe: Lawson Shepherd